All the Rage by Courtney Summers

The sheriff’s son, Kellan Turner, is not the golden boy everyone thinks he is, and Romy Grey knows that for a fact. Because no one wants to believe a girl from the wrong side of town, the truth about him has cost her everything—friends, family, and her community. Branded a liar and bullied relentlessly by a group of kids she used to hang out with, Romy’s only refuge is the diner where she works outside of town. No one knows her name or her past there; she can finally be anonymous. But when a girl with ties to both Romy and Kellan goes missing after a party, and news of him assaulting another girl in a town close by gets out, Romy must decide whether she wants to fight or carry the burden of knowing more girls could get hurt if she doesn’t speak up. Nobody believed her the first time—and they certainly won’t now — but the cost of her silence might be more than she can bear.

With a shocking conclusion and writing that will absolutely knock you out, All the Rage examines the shame and silence inflicted upon young women after an act of sexual violence, forcing us to ask ourselves: In a culture that refuses to protect its young girls, how can they survive?

I haven’t read anything by Courtney Summers before, but this premise pulled me right in when I first read it. With everything that’s going on in the news about violence against women, women’s rights, rape on college campuses and how many schools would rather condone it than lose potential future students… I think there is absolutely room in young adult literature for a book like this. I don’t get political about a lot of issues, but this is one that really speaks to me, both as a woman, and as a citizen. The more awareness there is — that can be generated — about how women are being treated on a cultural and institutional level, the better for future generations. Summers’s book has all the makings of being the next Speak, and I think it could prompt a lot of great, necessary, conversation. It also sounds like it’s going to be an emotional read, so I’m preparing myself now.

14 thoughts on ““Waiting On” Wednesdays: All the Rage”

The blurb for this one really does demand your attention doesn’t it? Admittedly, it’s not my usual genre but I feel like I want to read it all the same. It surely won’t be an easy read but it sounds worth it. Like you, I don’t tend to get too political but women’s issues always get me going. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention Kerry^^ xx

Sometimes a contemporary book that takes on serious issues seems like too much for me to handle. But what you said about this book being so currently relevant is so true. I’ll definitely put this on my TBR list. I think that books that talk about the hard things are sometimes the best ones to read and share. Great pick.